The San Diego Padres' ongoing quest for a World Series (or at least a playoff title). "You know that many runners enter a race, but only one of them wins the prize. So run to win! Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Out and About

At the beginning of the year I had a bleak possibility in front of me: we might be able to afford only one game. But I was very blessed to squeeze out 3 games and two special events with the Padres.

FRIARFEST 2008: In late January, we headed down to Petco Park for Friarfest. We got Chase Headley’s and Randy Ready’s autographs, plus pictures of many other players. After that we got to take a tour of the exercise room and clubhouse. We also caught glimpses of the manager’s office, the trainer’s room, and the cafeteria. The clubhouse was so cool to see. Not much of the players’ stuff was there, but it was really neat to see where our boys essentially live. Then we went into the dugout and onto the field. We walked around the warning track and crashed into the outfield walls. It was so much fun, and I can’t wait to go again next year!

GAME 1 vs MARINERS: On June 27, some of my close friends provided me with a wonderful ticket to a seat in the second section behind home plate. They were amazing seats. The game was kind of crazy. The Mariners left 18 runners on, but they prevailed and won 5-2. Chase Headley hit a two-run bomb, which was really cool. It was 1978 Retro Night, which was very interesting. Despite the loss, I had a great time, and I thoroughly enjoyed the seats.

BRECT BMW EVENT: On a Saturday afternoon pressing 100 degrees, Kevin Kouzmanoff and Tony Clark convened at a car dealership to sign autographs. Yeah, it was really hot. Both Kouz and Tony were very friendly, signing a lot of autographs and posing for pictures. There were also free Chick-Fil-A sandwhiches. The Chick-Fil-A cow made an apperance as well, wearing a bulky cow suit in, like I said, 100+ degree weather. I felt so bad for the guy. Anyway, it was really neat to see TC before he was traded, and of course, it’s always a pleasure for me to see Kouz.

GAME 2 vs. BREWERS: August 14th,this was a beautiful Thursday afternoon, a 2-for-1 day, and Jake Peavy pitching. Doesn’t get much better than that. It was a pretty slow game until the 7th. Then the Brewers were able to scratch a run off of Jake. But in the bottom half, we got to Ben Sheets. We got three runs. Heath pitched the 8th. I had never seen Trevor pitching in person in a save situation, so I was REALLY excited. He was really sharp. He did allow a home run to Mike Cameron, but we won 3-2. I was really pumped. Also, that was Trevor’s 550th save. Wow, it was a really fun, exciting, and satisfying game.GAME 3 vs. GIANTS: We got to Petco about an hour before the game on September 11. We watched the Giant’s BP (boring), then went to the Beach. Nick Hundley walked out and started his running. He threw me a ball, my first and only of the year. It was a great game for the Padres. We were able to get 5 runs in the bottom of the first, thanks to a 3-run homer from Adrian Gonzalez. Josh Geer threw a really good game. Adrian hit another homer, older brother Edgar hit a homer, and Drew Macias got his first homer. We won 11-3. It was so much fun to be out in the outfield, to watch Will Venable and Aaron Rowand. I would definitely recommend the Beach. It’s a really good spot.

So, as you can see, I did have a lot of fun this season. I got 5 player autographs (Chase Headley, Kouz, TC, Heath Bell, and Justin Hampson), 1 ball, and at least 600 pictures. It was a good year.

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3 Comments

I am insaneley jealous at your ability to be that close to the players. I’d love to have a shot at those autographs and Petco tours. It’s tough being so far out here in NM. I am going to try to meet Tony Gwynn when he brings his Aztecs to play the Lobos. I’m also hoping for an autograph–I have his rookie card! Then there’s Strausburg…hoping to meet him to. Maybe, somehow, WAS and SEA will both pass on him and he’ll land in San Diego…who knows?

Nice pictures! Ironically, I was at Friar Fest this year, too. Actually, I’ve gone to that event every year it’s been on at PETCO Park, and every year, they do a stellar job organizing the whole event. I definitely cannot wait to go back next year and getting a few more autographs!

Also also, I was at the August 14th game with Peavy pitching! That was the day of my epic doubleheader (which I will post about in the slow months after the season ends). After going to the Padres day game, I hopped up the 5 freeway and went to the Dodgers game later that night! Ah, fun memories. =)

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